It’s thought that Archanes was the location of a palatial summer palace, with evidence of aqueducts, a reservoir and theater. Excavations begun in 1964 have also revealed two dozen funerary buildings at the necropolis at nearby Phourni. Monumental tombs have unearthed sarcophagi and funeral offerings of jewelry and ornaments.

Editor's Note: Photo courtesy of AWI via Creative Commons

Practical Info

Archanes lies 14km (8.5 miles) south of Iraklio, a half-hour trip into the interior by hourly bus.